2013 Zero S Review

2013 Zero S

Imagine instant torque and power from a standstill. Imagine smooth acceleration as you throttle out of turns. Then, imagine never needing to stop at a gas station or being burdened with any scheduled powertrain maintenance. Not only is this possible… it’s available now.

Developed to aggressively take on urban environments while encouraging occasional detours to your favorite stretch of backcountry twisties, the Zero S integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design. The result is a motorcycle with truly impressive performance and a sophisticated appearance. Now featuring Zero Motorcycles’ all-new Z-Force™ motor and power pack, the Zero S pulls hard to speeds above 90 mph and offers a city range of up to 137 miles.

The Zero S integrates revolutionary technology with innovative motorcycle design to deliver a sensation unlike any other on the road today.

Whether stealthily accelerating onto the highway or out of the turns, the Zero S is uniquely designed to deliver a sensation unlike any other on the road today. Are you ready?

Pricing and Warranty

The Zero S starts at $13,995 MSRP for the ZF8.5 and $15,995 MSRP for the ZF11.4. Some countries or states may offer incentives. Financing may be available to qualifying customers at participating dealers. The motorcycle can be ordered from authorized Zero Motorcycles dealers and will begin shipping in the United States during January. The Zero S comes with a 2-year limited warranty. Price does not include local shipping, applicable taxes, PDI and road registration fees.

AVAILABLE COLORS: BLACK, YELLOW

2013 Zero S Key Features

What’s New for 2013 – A Summary

• Revolutionary Z-Force™ motor increases power by up to 125% • Zero S and Zero DS have 54 hp and 68 ft-lbs of torque • Top speed of 95 mph on the Zero S and Zero DS • Every model offers dramatically increased torque and a broader power band resulting in exceptional acceleration • Designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles to be the world’s most efficient, powerful, compact, brushless and sealed air-cooled motor • Requires no routine maintenance and operates at such high efficiency that it does not require any complex cooling system • Up to 137 miles range with completely new high voltage and high capacity Z-Force™ power pack technology • Four new 102 Volt power pack configurations allowing customers to select the range that best meets their needs: 2.8 kWh, 5.7 kWh, 8.5 kWh, 11.4 kWh • 25% faster charging rate on the Zero S and Zero DS using standard outlets • Charge any motorcycle to 95% at CHAdeMO charging stations in 1 hour or less using an optional accessory • World’s first fully modular Z-Force™ quick-swap technology allows riders to easily upgrade a Zero FX, Zero XU or Zero MX from 2.8 kWh to 5.7kWh in seconds • New life of motorcycle cell technology offers a high cycle life and increased charge/discharge efficiency • Introducing the Zero FX – New model for 2013 • Quickest acceleration of any electric motorcycle that Zero has ever offered • 70 ft-lbs of torque and 44 hp with a low weight of just 275 lbs • Designed to handle any urban terrain, off-road session or stealthy adventure • Ample suspension and aggressive tires • Powerful new Nissin braking systems across the entire lineup • Smartphone integration and new Zero Motorcycles mobile app • Bluetooth enabled connectivity for both iPhone and Android mobile devices • Adjustable motorcycle performance to enable sportier or more economical riding • Customizable display reports precise state of charge and real time power usage while riding • Zero Motorcycles app will be available to download via Apple and Android app stores • Refined and sophisticated new look with integrated storage • Beautifully sculpted new bodywork and refined frame for the Zero S and Zero DS • Integrated and lockable storage options across the entire model line • LED tail light on the Zero S and Zero DS • All black frames across the entire lineup • New color options, completely revised graphics and sophisticated design highlights across all models • New frames with completely revamped and improved rider interfaces • Passenger accommodation standard on the Zero S and Zero DS • Newly designed and comfortable two-up seat • More robust and stiffer swing arms with adjustable rear axles • More ergonomic frame geometry, handlebars and footpegs • Motor is now a stressed member of the frame to increase stiffness for improved handling • Zero MX is now full sized and capable of hitting 85 mph • All motorcycles now feature regenerative braking that is adjustable via the new Zero Motorcycles app • Zero DS now uses 19″ front and 17″ rear tires for improved off-road handling and greater aftermarket options • New integrated components for improved “fit and finish,” durability and reliability

2013 Zero S Features and Benefits

Exceptional just got better. The 2013 Zero S is 93% more powerful, generates 62% more torque and yields 20% greater city range. Using a new optional accessory the Zero S can be charged to 95% at CHAdeMO charging stations in an hour or less. Able to travel 137 mi (city), or 85 mi (highway), on a single charge, the Zero S is now the longest range production electric motorcycle in history. It is also Zero Motorcycles’ fastest with speeds of up to 95 mph. Featuring Zero Motorcycles’ completely new Z-Force™ motor and high-voltage power system, the Zero S delivers instant acceleration that is both impressive and incredibly smooth. The sophisticatedly simple, zero-shifting, zero-clutching direct drive powertrain operates with such high efficiency that it requires no mechanical cooling systems whatsoever.

Accompanying the stunning performance gains is a sleek new look, on-board storage, an improved rider interface and mobile device integration.

New contemporary bodywork in the ‘tank’ section of the motorcycle now works in cooperation with a new two-up seat, frame and foot pegs to provide improved comfort and control. Nissin brakes as well as passenger pegs are now standard. Offering a new level of personalization, the 2013 Zero S works with mobile devices, via Bluetooth. This allows riders to view a customizable dashboard of detailed riding information and adjust the performance characteristics of the motorcycle.

Revolutionary Z-Force™ motor increases power by 93% • Zero S now offers 54 hp and 68 ft-lbs of torque • Top speed of 95 mph • Dramatically increased torque and a broader power band for exceptional acceleration • New Z-Force™ motor is designed from the ground up by Zero Motorcycles to be the world’s most efficient, powerful, compact, brushless and sealed air-cooled motor • Sophisticatedly simple “just ride” direct-drive system means no clutch, no shifting and no need to carry a heavy and complex transmission • Requires no routine maintenance and operates with such high efficiency that it does not require any complex cooling system • Up to 137 miles range with completely new high-voltage and high-capacity Z-Force™ power pack technology

Available in two new 102 Volt power pack configurations: • ZF8.5: 8.5 kWh (max) • ZF11.4: 11.4 kWh (max) • Up to 20% more city range over the longest range 2012 model • 25% faster charging rate using standard outlets • Charge either the ZF8.5 or ZF11.4 to 95% at CHAdeMO charging stations in 1 hour or less using an optional accessory • New life-of-motorcycle cell technology offers a high cycle life and increased charge/discharge efficiency • Powerful new Nissin braking system • Smartphone integration and new Zero Motorcycles mobile app • Bluetooth enabled connectivity for both iPhone and Android mobile devices • Adjustable motorcycle performance to enable sportier or more economical riding • Customizable display reports precise state of charge and real time power usage while riding • Refined and sophisticated new look with integrated storage • Beautifully sculpted new bodywork and refined frame • Integrated, lockable and removable storage compartment in the front ‘tank’ area • High-efficiency LED tail light • New color options, all-black frames and completely revised graphics • Black cast wheels • New frame with completely revamped and improved rider interfaces • Passenger accommodation standard • Newly designed and comfortable two-up seat • More robust and stiffer swing arm with adjustable rear axle • More ergonomic frame geometry, handlebars and foot pegs • Motor is now a stressed member of the frame to increase stiffness for improved handling • New integrated components for improved “fit and finish,” durability and reliability

2013 Zero S – North American Specifications/Technical Details USA MSRP Price: $13,995 MSRP for the ZF8.5 and $15,995 MSRP for the ZF11.4 USDCanadian MSRP Price: $13,995 MSRP for the ZF8.5 and $15,995 MSRP for the ZF11.4 CDN

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (Oct. 2, 2012) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced its 2013 model line which features an average power increase of 99 percent and the world’s longest-range production electric motorcycle: the Zero S, capable of 137 miles in the city. To attain such leaps in performance, Zero designed a revolutionary new Z-Force™ motor that is incredibly powerful while also highly efficient, passively air-cooled and compact. Integrated into every 2013 motorcycle, the motor operates using a new higher voltage Z-Force power pack. Providing riders the option to charge faster than ever, each Zero can now be charged to 95 percent in an hour or less using CHAdeMO charge stations by way of an optional accessory. Perhaps most exciting, Zero plans to begin initial deliveries of its complete 2013 model line to North America in January 2013.

Nearly every element of each motorcycle has been refined to embody the sophisticated technology and elemental simplicity of riding a Zero. From highly innovative mobile phone integration to eye-catching styling, the 2013 lineup is impressive at every level. Using Bluetooth, riders can now sync their iPhone or Android mobile phones to see detailed motorcycle information and even adjust the performance characteristics of the motorcycle. Riders will appreciate the sleek new bodywork on the Zero S and Zero DS, which includes neatly integrated storage in the ”tank” area and flows elegantly into a comfortable two-tier seat. To accommodate the new look and advanced powertrain, Zero redesigned the frames for every model with an emphasis on improving rider ergonomics and expanding compatibility with aftermarket accessories.

“With up to 137 miles range in the city, a top speed of 95 mph and a CHAdeMO accessory that allows recharging in around an hour, the 2013 model line is truly exceptional,” said Richard Walker, CEO of Zero Motorcycles. “This year’s lineup offers breathtaking acceleration, new eye-catching designs and the innovative ability to customize the riding experience to each individual’s preferences via a mobile application. We invite consumers to discover the experience of riding a 2013 model by contacting an authorized dealer to sign up for a test ride or to place an order. The new lineup arrives in January.”

Among the many highlights of the 2013 lineup, Zero Motorcycles introduced the Zero FX as the ultimate “do anything” and “ride anywhere” urban rebel motorcycle. It is the fastest accelerating motorcycle in the company’s lineup with 70 ft-lbs of torque, 44 hp and a low weight of only 275 lbs. The Zero FX, as well as the Zero XU and Zero MX, now features the world’s first truly modular quick-swap power pack technology. Riders can now use one or two battery modules and can upgrade any of the previously mentioned models from 2.8 kWh to 5.7 kWh in seconds. With increased range, vastly improved handling and impressive power, the now full-sized Zero MX is capable of comfortably launching off significantly larger jumps at the motocross track.

Continuing a design philosophy of “sophisticated simplicity” for 2013, Zero Motorcycles focused on maximizing the exhilaration of riding and minimizing needless complexity. The new Z-Force motor and overall powertrain is completely air-cooled on account of its highly efficient and innovative design. With instant torque, a nearly silent belt-driven system and no shifting, riders need only focus on enjoying the ride. For the owner, there is no routine powertrain maintenance and the “fuel” cost is only a penny a mile. Whether a longtime rider or someone who is just getting into motorcycles, the Zero Motorcycles 2013 lineup offers consumers exciting new reasons to go for a ride.

Pricing information: Each Zero Motorcycles model is 100 percent electric and, as a result, may qualify to receive government rebates or credits. Zero sells its motorcycles through authorized dealerships. Each street-legal motorcycle comes with a two year limited warranty, while the Zero MX comes with a one year limited warranty. Initial deliveries will commence in January 2013 for North America and in February 2013 for Europe. Authorized dealers will begin accepting orders on Oct. 2, 2012, from consumers who would like to secure a 2013 model. The pricing for each model is below.

*MSRP in USD is identical to CAD. Does not include local shipping, applicable taxes, PDI or road registration fees. **Includes Product, Shipping and VAT. Additional PDI, local shipping and road registration fees may apply.

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